The Aztecs’ defense wasn’t very sharp in Saturday night’s 35-30 win over New Mexico, but they did enough.

Two key plays both came in the second half.

First, Eric Pinkins stopped Lobos’ QB Cole Gautsche on third down at the Aztecs’ 3 to force the Lobos to kick a 20-yard field goal – it marked only the second time all year that SDSU has prevented a touchdown in the red zone.

Then came Nat Berhe’s tackle on the two-point conversion the Lobos attempted after Teriyon Gipson’s 5-yard TD run late in the fourth quarter.

Just when it looked as if Kasey Carrier was going to sneak into the end zone, Berhe made a terrific tackle that held the score at 28-23.

“If they get the two, they are in position to tie on a field goal. That changed the complexion of the game,” Aztecs coach Rocky Long said. “That gave us some advantages. If we didn’t score, we could have kicked a field goal and (still been) eight points ahead.”

The defense couldn’t quite adapt to a wrinkle New Mexico threw into its offensive game plan though -- the counter option.

“Up to our game, their quarterback always fronted out to the way they were running the option,” Long said. “This time he fronted out and went the other way. It was completely opposite to what we had practiced.”

The coaches tried to make adjustments at halftime, but the players failed to execute.

OL looked OK

Long said three members of the offensive line graded out really well, with Jordan Smith and Zach Dilley getting “OK” grades.

Dilley was the wild card Saturday, making his first start in place of Japheth Gordon at left guard. Even though he jumped offsides twice, he did enough to warrant a second consecutive start, Long said.

He will stay with the first team at left guard in practice this week.

Injuries

Here’s a status update on the Aztecs’ injured players:

LB Derek Largent: Twisted his right ankle at the end of the New Mexico game and did not practice Sunday, but should be cleared to return by Tuesday.

CB King Holder: Twisted his ankle and limped off the field mid-game, but was able to return, and won’t miss any practice.

S Eric Pinkins: Has a sore knee, but won’t miss any practice.

DT Sam Meredith: Did not start due to a torn labrum. Long said he’s day-to-day, but could get to a point where he has to have surgery this season.

CB Damontae Kazee: Sat out game with concussion-like symptoms. Practiced Sunday, should be cleared for contact by Tuesday.

S Gabe Lemon: Day to day due to neck stinger still bothering him. Will see a specialist this week.